OGUNQUIT, Maine — Two swimmers in “distress” were rescued by a firefighter Saturday afternoon in Ogunquit.
A call came into the Ogunquit Fire Department around 1:38 p.m. about two swimmers fighting the heavy surf about 150 yards from the shore near the Norseman Hotel in Ogunquit, Ogunquit Fire Department Chief Russell Osgood said in an email.
The first firefighter to arrive at the scene sent a police officer and a fellow firefighter to get a boat and requested another boat from York Fire Rescue.
A local fisherman, Steve Weiner, attempted to help in the rescue using his boat to aid the rescue team from Perkins Cove to save the swimmers, according to the email. However, while the fire crews waited for the boats to arrive, they realized that the two swimmers were struggling due to the cold water and would need more immediate help before the boat reached them.
Firefighter Nathanael Pierce swam through the heavy surf and brought both swimmers to shore safely.
The two swimmers were taken to York Hospital to be evaluated.
The fire department wants to remind all swimmers and surfers that the ocean is very cold this time of year. They said hypothermia can set in within minutes when wearing a wet suit. They also said to watch for rip currents and heavy surf.